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Hero for Hire (1972) #9
A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Hero for Hire (1972) #9 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 May 1973 as part of Hero for Hire, with Hero for Hire providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Hero for Hire (1972) #9 treats the
Aug 153 min read
Marvel Spotlight (1971) #9
Reading Marvel Spotlight (1971) #9 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 April 1973 as part of Marvel Spotlight, with Copperhead Canyon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Johnny Blaze with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. At narrative leve
Aug 152 min read
Adventure Into Fear (1970) #9
Reading Adventure Into Fear (1970) #9 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 August 1972 as part of Adventure Into Fear, with Dead Man’s Escape providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Adv
Aug 152 min read
Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #9
Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #9 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. The issue was published on 9 December 1971 as part of Fantastic Four Annual, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure
Aug 153 min read
Astonishing Tales (1970) #9
A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Astonishing Tales (1970) #9 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 December 1971 as part of Astonishing Tales, with Ka Zar providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Beast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Story momentum in Astonishing Tales (1970) #9
Aug 152 min read
Amazing Adventures (1970) #9
Amazing Adventures (1970) #9 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. The issue was published on 1 November 1971 as part of Amazing Adventures, with Black Bolt providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Inhumans with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. The storytelling in Amazing Adventu
Aug 152 min read
Conan the Barbarian (1970) #9
Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) #9 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 September 1971 as part of Conan the Barbarian, with Conan the Barbarian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure.
Aug 153 min read
Tower of Shadows (1969) #9
There is something inviting about the way Tower of Shadows (1969) #9 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 January 1971 as part of Tower of Shadows, with Tower of Shadows providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Rather tha
Aug 152 min read
Silver Surfer (1968) #9
What first stands out about Silver Surfer (1968) #9 is not its age or collectable status, but the directness with which it asks the reader to enter the story. The issue was published on 1 October 1969 as part of Silver Surfer, with Behind the Ghost providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mephisto with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. The plot is strongest wh
Aug 153 min read
Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1968) #9
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD (1968) #9 provides an enjoyable reminder that Marvel history is built from individual issues with their own rhythms, risks and small surprises. The issue was published on 1 February 1969 as part of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., with Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simp
Aug 153 min read
Sub-Mariner (1968) #9
Reading Sub Mariner (1968) #9 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 January 1969 as part of Sub Mariner, with Prince Namor providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Serpent with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Rather than crowding every page wit
Aug 152 min read
Iron Man (1968) #9
What first stands out about Iron Man (1968) #9 is not its age or collectable status, but the directness with which it asks the reader to enter the story. The issue was published on 1 January 1969 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hulk with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. Iron Man (1968) #9 treats the central conflict as a chain
Aug 153 min read
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